Read what we have found about Bone china porcelain and porcelain

A key consideration is which type of tableware best fits your establishment’s interior design.

There are multiple options in the commercial china market, fulfilling different needs for different customers. When shopping, keep the following […]

Many people are confused as to the difference between “Bone China Porcelain” and “porcelain”.

Actually, the two terms describe the same product. The term “china” comes from its country of origin. And the word “porcelain” is Latin, meaning seashell.

It implies a product which is smooth, white, and lustrous. The term “porcelain” is preferred in Europe while “china” is favored in the United States.

Bone China’s Primary Characteristics

Translucent and fine composition

Made from kaolin, feldspar, quartz and bone ash

The quality is determined by the total amount of bone ash included

Opaque texture and appearance

Thin-walled pieces give a more delicate appearance, but offer more durability than porcelain

Lighter in weight than porcelain

Bone china white has a warmer tone to it; often described as “snow white”

Porcelain’s Primary Characteristics

White, hard, permanent, non-porous pottery

Made from a combination of feldspar, quartz and kaolin

Less expensive and heavier than bone china

Brittle composition leads to more chipping

Available in varying degrees of whiteness ranging from ivory to blue-grey to bright white

Comes in two types

Soft Paste – creamier in color and somewhat porous

Hard Paste – purer white color and non-porous

Some extra points to consider before choosing your dinnerware

The production of bone china begins in a similar fashion. As porcelain china but includes an extra ingredient, bone ash. This is a white powdery substance and the byproduct of incinerated animal bone. Bone ash gives the body of the plate a unique milky white color.

Bone ash adds translucency to the body of the dinnerware, and makes the dish stronger by making it softer. By making the dinnerware less brittle, the bone ash makes it more resilient and less likely to break. Often times, you can place your hand on the back of a plate and hold it up towards a light. If you can see your hand, it’s likely bone china! Otherwise, the dinnerware product is most likely porcelain.

Bone china offers a slightly more elegant appeal due to the lighter weight and body composition. It’s typically a bit more expensive than porcelain due to its manufacturing process and overall elegant perception.

Bone china offers a slightly more elegant appeal due to the lighter weight and body composition

The durability of bone china is based on the percent of bone content. While industry minimum is 30% bone content and stronger. Higher grade product goes up as high as 40-45% bone content. R.W. Smith’s Venu collection is composed of 48% bone content.

Both Porcelain and Bone China porcelain dinnerware are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Thus Bone china porcelain dinnerware is more chip resistant and elegant than Porcelain. Although you can opt for a cheaper variety type of dinnerware. White porcelain is more chip resistant than any other type of porcelain. Always ask your supplier for a product that is more chip resistant for your restaurant.

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